Gallery 6: It's Bear Season Again

Spring is finally here and that means it's bear season again in Waterton.

After a long winter, bears have emerged from hibernation onto a lean landscape. There is still a lot of snow at high elevations, so they are congregating in the valley bottoms to find early green-up.

Grizzly bears may also head to sunny, exposed avalanche slopes to dig for roots and bulbs. If they are lucky, bears may find carcasses of winter-killed animals which are a critical spring time energy boost, especially for a female nursing her cubs. This is also the time of year that males seek out available mates, often travelling great distances.

Before heading out in the park this season it’s a good idea to review the key points to staying safe in bear country. See Bears and People for more information.

Be familiar with these bear safety tips:

Stay alert on the trails – make noise, watch for fresh bear sign (tracks, scat, digging), travel in groups, keep your dog on a leash, and carry bear spray and know how to use it. If you encounter a bear, give it LOTS of space!

Drive with care – if you see a bear by the road, consider not stopping. Obey speed limits.

Tuck these safely away – food, garbage, pet food, bird feeders, BBQs, and recyclables can attract a hungry bear. Keep these and other attractants in bear-proof storage or hard-sided vehicles.

Remember, bears are found throughout the park. You may encounter a bear anytime, anywhere. The more you know about bear ecology and behaviour, and how to act in the event of a bear encounter, the safer you will be. Please check Warnings and Closures before you hit the trail.